A memorial service for Birdiene “Birdie” Bowman will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.

Birdiene passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community. She was 85.

Birdiene Lavon (Meyers) was born on Sept. 8, 1932, in Manchester, to Herbert and Florence (Seberson) Meyers. She graduated from Albert Lea High School. On Oct. 5, 1952, Birdie was united in marriage to Luverne “Bud” Bowman at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. Birdie would follow Bud where he was stationed during his service, and would settle in Albert Lea in 1956,  where Birdie remained a resident since. Birdie and Bud would enjoy many years together, raising two children, until Bud’s passing 30 years ago.

Birdie was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

For work, she was a cashier at many locations, including Piggly Wiggly, Bob and Joe’s, and National T. For the last 15 years, she worked as a seamstress at St. John’s Lutheran Community. In her free time, Birdie enjoyed reading and would rarely miss an episode of “Judge Judy” or “American Pickers” on the television. Birdie had the gift of gab — she could strike up a conversation with anyone. Most of all, Birdie loved when her family would come to visit her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, “Bud”; parents Herbert and Florence; brother, Don Meyer; son-in-law, Jim Bronson; as well as many other family members.

Birdie is survived by her two children, Craig (Jane) Bowman and Cathy Bronson; grandchildren Jason Beloate, Angie (Tim) Tappe, Zachary (Amanda) Bowman and Casey Bowman; great-grandchildren Dakota Anderson, Carter Tappe, Devon Indrelie-Bowman, Ryker Bowman, and Kinley Bowman; brothers- and sister-in-law Bert Bietsema, Robert Haines and Ona Meyer;  family friend, JoAnn Stangeland; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.

Blessed be her memory.